Inventory management software helps all types of businesses automate inventory processes, operate efficiently and increase profits. No matter which industry your business operates, if it has inventory, inventory management software can improve operating efficiencies, customer service and overall profitability. Forbes Advisor researched the best inventory management software solutions and ranked 10 top picks based on their price, features and more.
Read more | Barcodes inventory: What is a barcode inventory system?
The Best Inventory Management Software of 2022
- Cin7: Best overall
- Ordoro: Best for Multichannel Sellers
- inFlow: Best for B2B and Wholesale Businesses
- Katana: Best for Manufacturers
- Zoho Inventory: Best Inventory Management Software Value
- ShipBob Merchant Plus: Best For Hybrid Fulfillment
- Fishbowl Inventory: Best for QuickBooks Users
- Skubana: Best for Dropshippers and Amazon FBA
- Sortly: Best for Small Retailers and Asset Tracking
- monday.com: Best Free Inventory Management Software
Methodology
Inventory management software does much more than simply track stock amounts and locations within a warehouse or retail store. Most inventory systems deliver a streamlined business management solution that seamlessly syncs inventory data with sales, fulfillment and purchasing operations in real time.
To select the best inventory management software picks for 2022, we first compared core features that most businesses use, such as barcodes, packing and counting slips, parts and assemblies, low-stock alerts and detailed stock reporting. We then explored features per price tier, time-saving automations such as purchase orders and dropshipping, and specialty inventory tools for retailers, multichannel sellers, B2B wholesalers and manufacturers.
Finally, we examined a broad range of inventory features that businesses need to scale operations efficiently. Here are the criteria used in our evaluation.
- Cost and users per plan tier
- Overall ease of use
- Barcode and QR code support
- Stock location tracking
- Kitted and bundled items
- Parts and assembly tracking
- Multi-warehouse management
- Dropship and 3PL automations
- Low-stock alerts
- Loss and theft controls
- Multiple vendors per item
- Print or digital packing slips
- Pick, pack and ship processes
- Warehouse floor management
- Purchase order features
- Sales-based order forecasting
- E-commerce integrations
- Online marketplace integrations
- Retail POS features or integrations
- Mobile apps for scans, counts and floor management
- Shipping and freight integrations
How To Choose Inventory Management Software
There are four basic areas to consider when choosing inventory management software. Some might say the first is cost, but that’s too simplistic. Anyone can handle basic inventory tracking for free using a spreadsheet. However, that’s a time-consuming project even on a small scale.
Instead of focusing on cost, consider how inventory management software systems can deliver value to your business. If an automated inventory system saves 10 to 20 staff hours each week, spending a few hundred dollars each month for time-saving features is a good value.
Business processes are the second thing to consider when comparing inventory systems. Analyze your stock tracking, counting, purchasing and receiving needs, along with the sales platforms and production and fulfillment processes that define your business. Make sure the system you choose fits these needs and processes now and can quickly scale with growth.
Integrations are the third major consideration when selecting inventory management software. No business can manage inventory efficiently in a vacuum, so seamless integrations with online platforms, retail POS systems, vendors, shippers, 3PL services and accounting systems are critical. When comparing inventory systems, look for those that offer built-in integrations to the platforms you use or open API for near-universal connectivity.
Finally, plan for growth. Migrating data from inventory software that you’ve outgrown to a new system can stop business in its tracks. Likewise, inventory-driven business models change quickly in our tech-driven age. Your in-house fulfillment operation can seemingly explode overnight and need multiple warehouses, 3PL fulfillment partners and dropship suppliers. Software that scales as needed via plan upgrades or feature add-ons is key to uninterrupted growth.
Read more | How IoT is automating warehouse operations
Benefits of Inventory Management Software
Inventory management software is an essential tool for any inventory-driven business. This includes retailers, e-commerce sellers, manufacturers and businesses that use tools and equipment in the completion of services.
Businesses typically list higher profits, streamlined operations and improved customer service as the top benefits of sound inventory management. However, to achieve these goals, inventory practices must be optimized at a granular level. That’s where inventory management software works its magic.
For example, efficiency and customer service depend on accurate stock tracking, purchasing and receiving, on-time delivery and real-time inventory sync with sales platforms. Each of these operating factors requires reliable inventory management software. Likewise, minimizing losses from receiving errors, shrinkage and inefficient storage helps boost profits. Inventory management software is key to uncovering these issues and, together with other operating improvements, helps drive a more profitable operation.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-inventory-management-software/
Nhận xét
Đăng nhận xét